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Thursday, July 7, 2016

OP-ED: Bevin's #CutTheTape Initiative A Help To Businesses

Sen. Wil Schroder. Provided.

By Will Schroder

This week, I was excited to learn that Governor Bevin rolled out a new enterprise aimed at helping to identify and cut back on the unnecessary burdensome regulations that too often harm Kentucky businesses. I am wholeheartedly supportive of Governor Bevin’s #CutTheTape initiative. There are currently over 4,500 administrative regulations in Kentucky, and an estimated 15 percent of them have not been reviewed since 1974. We must cut back the red tape in government if we want to encourage growth in our state.

Governor Bevin outlined the problem well. “As a business owner, I understand firsthand how difficult it can be for a new or growing business to be aware of, understand and comply with every government regulation,” Gov. Bevin said. “While some regulations are very necessary and protect the public safety, others can stifle economic growth, impose unnecessary costs on businesses and impede private sector investment. These costs all get passed through to the consumer. I constantly hear from business owners that confusing government mandates and red tape are huge challenges for them… This suffocating red tape is a problem that must be fixed and, with the help of all Kentuckians, we intend to do just that.”

The Governor is currently working with cabinet secretaries to identify burdensome regulations within their departments. His office has also reached out to government employees across the state to help identify unnecessary “red tape” and is working with businesses and community leaders across all spectrums.

Last session I filed, and the Senate passed, legislation that would have helped business more conveniently challenge many of these regulations. Unfortunately, this legislation never received a hearing in the House. Senate President Robert Stivers commended the Governor for taking this step and made it clear that the Senate will work with the Governor on this initiative.“Addressing unnecessary administrative regulations is an issue the Senate has been working on for years to no avail with past administrations… I, along with the Senate, applaud the Bevin Administration for moving forward. This will create a better business environment and help create Kentucky jobs.”

If you or your business have been negatively affected by a regulation, a website has been established, www.redtapereduction.com, where you can suggest regulations that should be reviewed. You can also check back at the website for updates on the review process. I encourage you to take advantage of this new resource to help Kentucky businesses succeed, and I look forward to seeing the results. Together we can create a better business climate in our great Commonwealth.